If you have an elderly loved one, you want to do all you can to keep them safe. You want to ensure their home is set up to reduce falls and injuries. It’s also important that they are healthy, happy, and well-tended.
Read on to find out what you can do to create a safe environment for seniors in PA.
Reduce Fall Risks
As people get older, they lose muscle mass. This causes problems with balance and gait. Balance issues can also be caused by blood pressure drops that occur when an elderly person gets up from lying down or sitting.
Because older people deal with balance issues, they are prone to falling. Creating a safe environment for seniors in PA requires minimizing fall risks. You can do this by:
- Eliminating clutter on the floor and stairs,
- Making sure all carpets are firmly fixed to the floor
- Putting no-slip strips on tile and wooden floors.
- Avoiding throw-rugs and other types of small-area rugs.
Keep the Bathroom Safe
The elderly often get injured in the bathroom due to slippery conditions and other factors. Here are some tips that will help you create a safe environment for seniors in PA in the bathroom area.
- Install a nightlight to be kept on when it’s dark
- Clearly mark hot and cold faucets
- Adjust water heater settings so the temperature never exceeds 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Install railings and grab bars
- Place non-skid surfaces on the bottom of the bathtub or shower
- Install door locks that can be opened from both sides
- Ensure someone is around when your elderly loved one is bathing if possible
Keep the Kitchen Safe
The kitchen presents a variety of injury risks, including electrical sources, hot and sharp appliances, and more. Here are some tips that will create a safe environment for seniors in PA in the kitchen area.
- Keep a working fire extinguisher in the area
- Make sure nearby fire alarms are working
- Store cleaning products separate from food items
- Check expiration dates on food items on a regular basis
- Keep floors and counters clutter-free
- Store sharp objects in a rack, not a drawer
Protect the Home from Break-ins
The elderly are often victims of break-ins. You can create a safe environment for seniors in PA inside the home by:
- Setting up a security system
- Ensuring windows and doors are equipped with working locks- if possible, make sure the home is locked up at night
- Lighting up the outside area
- Getting a safe for valuables
Get a Home Care Aide
A home care aide can play a valuable role in keeping your elderly loved one safe. They will ensure that the home is kept free of clutter and take other measures to minimize accidents and injuries. And, if something does happen, they will be there to call for help right away.
Additionally, a home care aide can assist with daily tasks, medication management, and more. They can offer companionship and keep your loved one happy and healthy.
If you feel home care is right for your loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to FamilyCARES. We will help you find a CAREPARTNER that best suits your elderly relative’s personality. We will customize a program best suited to your needs.
Visit our website to find out more about what we have to offer.
